Edward Herrmann Dead At 71: Actor Battled With Brain Cancer


Actor Edward Herrmann died on Wednesday morning at the age of 71.

TMZ reports that the actor passed away in a New York hospital.

Edward Herrmann’s family reportedly opened up to TMZ about his health condition – including his battle with brain cancer.

According to the report, Herrmann had been in the intensive care unit of the hospital for more than three weeks. His condition did not improve, so his family made the decision to take Edward off of the respirator.

Edward Hermann had a lengthy career on the big and small screen – dating back his portrayal of a law student in the 1973 film, The Paper Chase as well as Ezra Stiles in the 1975 film, The Great Waldo Pepper which starred actor Robert Redford in the leading role.

Hermann played the part of former U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt a number of times over the years – including two made-for-TV movies in the 1970s and the 1982 film adaptation of the popular Broadway musical, Annie.

In recent years, Edward Herrmann was primarily known for starring in the hit television series, “Gilmore Girls” as Richard Gilmore – the father of Lorelai (played by Lauren Graham) and grandfather of Rory (played by Alexis Bledel).

During a 2012 interview with the A.V. Club, Edward Herrmann had a chance to reflect on his extensive acting career – including his years of playing Richard Gilmore on the popular series.

“Well, Richard Gilmore was a treat. I’d never done a series, besides that Upstairs Downstairs lookalike back in New York…”

Herrmann also appeared in multiple episodes of “The Good Wife.”

In his personal life, Edward Herrmann was married twice. His first wife, screenwriter Leigh Curran, married him in 1978. The couple remained married for more than a decade before ending their relationship in divorce. Since 1992, Edward Herrmann remained married to Star Hayner.

As previously reported by the Inquisitr, the longtime actor and his wife filed a lawsuit against their accountants earlier this month. According to the documents, the couple claimed that the firm CohnReznick mismanaged $14.5 million.

Edward Herrmann is survived by his wife and two daughters, Emma and Ryan as well as his stepson, noted chef Rory Herrmann.

[Image Credit: E! Online]

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